Christmas is coming!

Christmas is coming

I was driving back to Chico today, from Santa Rosa. It’s about a 3 1/2 hour drive. A great time to think and pray. Today I was wrestling with all the emotions of the season at hand. We are launching YWAM Santa Rosa in a month, and still do not have housing. I had hoped to have gotten it sorted on this trip, and was besieged with all of the thoughts and feelings that come with unmet hope and expectation. As each thought and emotion railed against my soul, I reminded myself of the goodness of God. I reminded myself, detail by detail, how he has continually and consistently met us, encouraged us, and spoken to us. I thought of each person who has been praying for us, championing the vision to bring YWAM to Santa Rosa, celebrating and embracing us, believing with us, and supporting us.

As I battled insecurity, doubt, unbelief, and fear, I could sense the Lord’s gentle reminder. And as Jesus did when he was tempted, I spoke truth over the insecurity. I worshiped over doubt and unbelief. I remembered His character. I cried, I rejoiced, I repented, I received grace.

And then I got a picture. It was a picture of Christmas. And I remembered as a child, like most children, the incredible sense of excitement and anticipation of Christmas. Although I didn’t know what good thing awaited me, what special gift was chosen just for me, there was no doubt that it wouldn’t be a good gift. There was no fear that it would be a trick, or I would be left empty-handed. As children, we simply wait for something amazing that we will get to open at the right time. Suddenly I realized, God is at work. He is working to wrap this beautiful gift up, preparing to present it at just the right time. I don’t have to fear, because I have a good Father. A Father who gives good gifts. A Father who is a good provider. A Father who loves me. A Father who is with me. And so I rejoiced. I rejoice in the fact that God has already got the gift, and He’s in the back, wrapping it up and getting it all ready.

I’m excited and full of anticipation to see what He has picked out, especially for us!